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Karen Christine Ryan, age 67, of Wyoming, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, January 17, 2013. Karen enjoyed helping others and assisting her patients in her work as a surgical nurse. She was preceded in death by her son, Patrick Ryan; and her parents, Frederick and Grace Elderkin. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Theresa Ryan, Beverly and Kevin Sposetta, Shannon and Matthew Griffin, Matthew and Cara Ryan, Michael Ryan, Sean and Cassandra Ryan; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Pamela Elderkin, Patrick Elderkin, Kathleen and Ned Vander Molen; and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 11:00 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4101 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming with Fr. Mike Alber Celebrant. Interment Rest Lawn Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday from 6-9 PM at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen For The Cure, West Michigan Affiliate. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com
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Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you. I miss you my friend. I take comfort in knowing you are no longer in pain. We will meet again
Vicki Geldhof
Friend
January 14, 2021
I was saddened to hear that the world had lost Karen. We were classmates, and she was one of the sweetest gals I've known. She is one of the main reasons I still have fond memories of Ottawa High School and Grand Rapids. My condolences to the family and friends.
January 23, 2013
My thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences to the family. Karen and I go all the way back to Oakdale Elementary School, and her cousins Donna and Diana Elderkin lived next door to my family on Ballard Street.
Bob Monaghan
Keller, Texas
Bob Monaghan
January 23, 2013
We extend our deepest sympathy upon hearing the passing of our high school classmate.
When in Grand Rapids we would see Karen at our monthly luncheons. Always upbeat and smiling.
Rest in Peace Karen.
Lynne Bob Seif
January 23, 2013
I knew Karen in high school and saw her in later years at our class reunions. She was a delight to know, and I know you miss her. I send to your family blessings and prayers for the peace that passes all understanding, promised to you in Philippians 4:7.
Mary Ann (Sikkema) Potter
January 22, 2013
My heart goes out to all of the Elderkins and Ryans for your loss. Although I wasn't family Karen and I had a special bond. If we could have been sisters, I would have chosen Karen. I regret I couldn't be ther with her at the end of her fight, but feel fortunate that I was able to be with her over the holidays. The last time we were together she still managed to have her beautiful smile. I will miss her but have comfort in the fact she is no longer in pain and she can finally rest. I will cherish my memories of Karen forever and am thankful to have been a part of her life. May she rest in peace.
Vicki Geldhof
January 22, 2013
Sean, Casie and Makayla
Holding you up in prayer as you go through this difficult time in the loss of your mother, and grandmother. Our sincerest sympathies to you all as well as your extended family.
Bob & Cris, Lexi, Vanessa Nitz
Cris NItz
January 21, 2013
To Pat, Kathy,and Pam, as well as all of Karen's children and grandchildren, I know you must have deep pride in the way that she lived her life and stood up to the challenges of her illness. Such dignity and beauty in the face of the physical pain and challenges she faced is rarely seen. We are all sad to have lost our very special cousin. Karen was much like a sister to me...having been born the same week with our mothers sharing a hospital room as we were born just days apart. Growing up around the corner from each other, playing under umbrella tents in the summer, swimming together at the Gun Lake cottage...these are all memories of Karen that I will keep in my heart forever.
Sue Prichard
January 21, 2013
Dear family of Karen Ryan,
Karen helped me in surgery for nearly 20 years. Whenever a surgeon had her assistance they were able to do better work for the patients.
She would always greet patients with a pleasant hello when they came into the Operating Room and comfort them.
Karen made a difference in thousands of peoples lives.
Whenever I had Karen's help in surgery it was a good day.
May she rest in peace.
Dr Donald Condit
January 21, 2013
To all of Karen's family and extended family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sorry that I cannot be at her funeral on Tuesday as I am in Florida but you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you and give you peace.
Love from her cousin,
Mary Ann (Elderkin) Goode
Mary Ann Goode
January 20, 2013
So sad to hear that you are gone Aunt Karen. Even though we haven't been in touch for awhile. You will always hold a very special place in my heart. You are my godmother and you will be greatly missed. Love Tanya Erickson
January 20, 2013
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Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home - Clyde Park4031 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, MI 49509-4032
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